Most children trafficked for sex in the U.S. are not receiving the care they need to heal from their abuse. Due to the violence, control and demeaning messages of their abusers, many sexually exploited children are vulnerable to believing the lies they have been told about who they are and what is possible for them. They feel trapped, worthless and alone.

When 15-year-old Olivia* ran away from a treatment center, she met a handsome older man at a bus stop. As she shared her troubles with him, he invited her to stay at his apartment and promised her help. Olivia thought this man was her boyfriend, but he quickly exploited her through sex trafficking. He claimed she had to “work” to contribute to the household expenses. When she tried to resist, he beat her.

People need to know that this is happening to girls as young as me.

Eventually, Olivia was able to call her mom and reach out for help. Victim services contacted Allies seeking support for Olivia. She wanted to talk to someone who had been through this trauma, someone she could confide in. She said she was ready to tell her story. “People need to know that this is happening to girls as young as me,” she told me bravely.

Nearly 1 out of every 10 sex trafficking cases reported to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center in 2014 came from Texas, yet services for girls like Olivia remain extremely limited statewide. Because of people like you, Allies Against Slavery provides vital support for girls who need mentoring, educational support, career development and referrals for counseling specific to the trauma of domestic minor sex trafficking.

I invite you to join our Sustaining Members Community today and help Allies continue this support. For $35 a month, you can ensure that girls like Olivia have somewhere to turn when they are ready to share their stories and reclaim their lives.

In Love and Freedom,

Brooke AxtellDirector of Communications & Engagement

PS - 16 people have already joined the Sustaining Members Community in the last two weeks! Will you help us reach our goal of 24 new Sustaining Members before June 6th by making a monthly gift of $25, $35, $100 or any level you choose?

*Allies changes and/or omits names, locations, and other identifying information to preserve the confidentiality of the people we serve